The Informed SLP

The Informed SLP Monthly "Evidence You Can Use" reviews for Speech–Language Pathologists. Sample and join at theinform Join at www.theinformedslp.com
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GAVC work is hard work. It’s a venture into self-esteem, acceptance, vulnerability, and identity. But it's also joyful, ...
06/15/2026

GAVC work is hard work. It’s a venture into self-esteem, acceptance, vulnerability, and identity. But it's also joyful, empowering, and dynamic. ⁠

Our research review, "The winding road: Understanding gender incongruence and its impact on identity and the gender affirming voice journey," covers what that journey looks like from the client's perspective and what it means for how we show up as SLPs. Check it out and earn 18 CE minutes at https://www.theinformedslp.com/review/The-winding-road-Understanding-gender-incongruence-and-its-impact-on-identity-and-the-gender-affirming-voice-journey

[Visual description: Image text reads, "Where does a client’s gender-affirming voice journey actually begin? Hint: Not with pitch! New research shows that it often begins with the client’s awareness that voice is a feature of gender identity... And this happens long before acoustics enter the picture. As this awareness grows, the client’s goals evolve... Our job is to hold the compass while our clients lead the way! Before you hit the road, check out this research review to learn: What TGD clients actually want from GAVC therapy, How to talk about voice without reinforcing binary constructs, Client-informed tips for building a safer clinical space. Pack your bag at the link in caption. Plus, earn 18 minutes of CE credit and grab our ready-to-use letter for your next session!"]

We all know how amazing AAC can be for minimally speaking kids, but sometimes it just doesn’t stick despite evidence-bas...
06/12/2026

We all know how amazing AAC can be for minimally speaking kids, but sometimes it just doesn’t stick despite evidence-based and supportive practices. Gombar and Pejić Bach’s study of device refusal examines the question: Could AAC device disengagement be a meaningful communicative act?

Check out our research review “Signal interrupted: When AAC gets in the way” to learn about:

-why a child may use device withdrawal to communicate dissent,

-the 3 types of AAC interaction patterns identified by these researchers

-4 ways SLPs can follow a child’s lead for AAC decisions.

SLPs can use ethical and evidence-based AAC intervention to honor kids’ assent and dissent. Learn more today at https://www.theinformedslp.com/review/Signal-Interrupted-When-AAC-gets-in-the-way

The research: https://doi.org/10.1080/20473869.2025.2605577

[Visual description: Cartoon image of adult–child interaction scene. The adult sits on the floor beside a young child. A speech bubble by the adult reads “Mother said…” with a duck icon. A speech bubble near the child reads “Ah” while the child holds a duck toy. AAC sits nearby the young child. Image text reads, “Is NOT communicating our way, communication their way?”]

Did you see the new stroke guidelines? If the update left you feeling a little… Surprised? Confused? Uncertain? You’re n...
06/10/2026

Did you see the new stroke guidelines? If the update left you feeling a little… Surprised? Confused? Uncertain? You’re not alone. Several of you reached out asking us to zoom in on the evidence. So, here it is!

Check out our research review ‘Shocked by PES? The evidence behind the updated stroke guidelines’ to learn more at https://www.theinformedslp.com/review/shocked-by-pes-the-evidence-behind-the-updated-stroke-guidelines

[Visual description: Image text reads, "The AHA now recommends Pharyngeal Electrical Stimulation to treat post-stroke dysphagia. Wait, what!? In our new Ask TISLP, we cover: What Pharyngeal Electrical Stimulation is, exactly, Who it’s for, The evidence behind the AHA recommendation, and Caveats and considerations for implementation in your practice! Learn more about PES and post-stroke dysphagia at the link in our caption. Plus, earn 15 minutes of continuing education credit!"]

Research on the relationship between tongue ties and breast/chest feeding is plentiful but heterogenous (especially when...
06/08/2026

Research on the relationship between tongue ties and breast/chest feeding is plentiful but heterogenous (especially when it comes to clinical application). So when systematic reviews from Delgadillo et al. and Necus et al. hit the scene, we didn’t waste a moment jumping in to find out what it means for us.

Check out our updated review “Identifying tongue tie in breast/chest feeding babies” to learn the latest on:

*why tethered oral tissues may make breastfeeding more difficulty (and when they may not be to blame),

*when and how to use assessment tools to identify ankyloglossia (and how to select the best one for any situation),

*the evidence behind surgical intervention for tongue ties,

*critical approaches to consider when making decisions about diagnosis, referrals, and interventions.

Find the science (and 11 minutes of CE credit) at https://www.theinformedslp.com/review/identifying-tongue-tie-does-that-tell-us-who-will-have-breastfeeding-problems

The research:
https://doi.org/10.1186/s13006-025-00773-x
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijporl.2025.112485
https://doi.org/10.1111/apa.14924.

[Visual description: Image text reads, "Research on tongue ties and breastfeeding keeps getting bigger and better. Swipe for highlights on the latest! Choosing a tool to identify ankyloglossia (and its impact on feeding) still isn’t easy. And some of our standbys may not always be the best. That old “when in doubt, just cut it out” mentality has got to go. We still lack strong data on clinical indications for surgical intervention. SLPs have to keep digging deep to help families struggling with tethered oral tissues. Our review covers 4 ways to do that! Systematic reviews and meta-analyses on tongue ties have a lot to offer. Catch up on the science with us at theinformedslp.com"]

Even experienced pediatric feeding SLPs may sometimes feel a little lost when it comes to supporting parents and kids in...
06/04/2026

Even experienced pediatric feeding SLPs may sometimes feel a little lost when it comes to supporting parents and kids in navigating solid food introduction.

Our research review “Trekking through textures: Mapping out the developmental progression of food textures” discusses Delaney and team’s proposed Developmental Texture Framework for Food Texture Progression. We can use this new tool flexibly across assessment, intervention, and parent education to:

-Identify solids by 5 major categories (with 3 subcategories in each!),

-Individualize therapy to support multiple skills simultaneously,

-Investigate whether a kid is showing a lack of skills versus a lack of opportunities to learn

-Introduce a new way to teach parents about how new feeders experience different textures.

Check out our review, download our printable reference table on using it, and earn CE credit at https://www.theinformedslp.com/review/Trekking-through-textures-Mapping-out-the-developmental-progression-of-food-textures

The research: https://doi.org/10.1111/jtxs.70026

[Visual description: Image text reads, "Starting solids doesn’t have to feel like hiking without a map." Cartoon image of a mountain hiking scene used as a metaphor for feeding development. At the base of the mountain, a group of two adults and a child look at a trail sign labeled “Mt. Starting Solids,” which outlines early feeding stages like liquids, purées, mashed solids, chewable solids, and combo foods. A winding path leads up the mountain, with labels marking gradual progression in both texture and consistency from thin and thickened liquids to purées of varying thickness, then fork-mashed, coarse, and chunky textures, followed by easily dissolvable, soft, and firm solids, and finally liquids and solids, puree and solids, and 2+ solids.]

We’ve officially hit the halfway mark for the 2026 CE Challenge, which means our next prize draw is almost here!You have...
06/03/2026

We’ve officially hit the halfway mark for the 2026 CE Challenge, which means our next prize draw is almost here!

You have until July 31st to earn 6 hours of CE to qualify for this round. If you’re already on track, your entry is automatic.

Not part of the challenge yet? It isn't too late to join us. Head to this page to opt in: https://theinformedslp.ac-page.com/challenge

[Visual description: Image text reads, "We're fast approaching the next CE challenge prize draw. Here's how to make sure you're in the running for our August prizes. We're giving away... Bose Noise-Cancelling Headphones & A Spotify Subscription. To lock in your entry, you'll need to: Be a TISLP member, Opt in to the challenge, Earn 6 hours of CE by July 31st. If you're on track with these requirements, your entry is automatic. Here's how to check... Check your progress. Your monthly milestone update is in your inbox. You can also log in to your TISLP account to view your current hour total. Oh, and P.S. Every hour counts towards the grand prize in December. Just in case you didn't catch it, that's a choice between an E-bike, a Macbook Air, or a 2-night hotel getaway. You're already doing the CE. The prizes are just a bonus! If you haven't already, opt in to the challenge at the link in our caption."]

This is your last call to join us for our EBPirl summer cohorts. It's easy to put professional development on the back b...
06/02/2026

This is your last call to join us for our EBPirl summer cohorts. It's easy to put professional development on the back burner, but the strategies you'll gain here are designed to be carried over into every part of your practice.

Here's a quick reminder of what this course entails:

▪️Five live, interactive sessions

▪️Active problem-solving and coursework tailored to your specific workplace.

▪️Led by Natalie Douglas, PhD, CCC-SLP, an expert in implementation science.

▪️Connect and troubleshoot with a group of forward-thinking SLPs.

▪️Earn 11.5 CE hours (1.15 ASHA CEUs).

▪️$195.

Registration closes tomorrow (June 3rd). Double-check the schedule and sign up here: https://theinformedslp.ac-page.com/ebp-irl

[Visual description: Image text reads, "EBPirl. Last call to sign up for a summer cohort! Find more info and register at the link in our caption. ENROLLMENT CLOSES TOMORROW"]

This past month was a wild one for the staff at TISLP with our 10-year anniversary celebrations and our first-ever TISLP...
06/01/2026

This past month was a wild one for the staff at TISLP with our 10-year anniversary celebrations and our first-ever TISLP conference. It was such a treat to spend time learning, thinking, and dreaming with you!

We still created a full set of reviews for you, with lots to learn and plenty of minutes to keep you chugging along on your CE Challenge goals.

Visit https://www.theinformedslp.com/reviews to read this month's reviews and to join our annual CE Challenge (or check out your progress).

[Image Description: A cartoon of SLPs reading The Informed SLP's research reviews on a phone, iPad, and laptop. Image text reads, "June's new reviews are here! Swipe to see what's new in our evidence database this month. For pediatric SLPs: AAC device refusal and what it may actually mean, speech sound apps, and whether kids can actually make gains with them, automatic speech recognition systems and what they can (and can’t) do for us, story retelling intervention for DHH kids (both mono- and bilingual), and trauma and language outcomes. For pediatric medical: How (and whether) to use the free water protocol with kids, supporting kids with retrograde cricopharyngeal disorder, working with families of kids with complex medical needs in early intervention, trauma and language outcomes (this one is worth a second mention!). For adult SLPs: The most common respiratory diagnoses and dysphagia that accompanies them, ethical principles and dysphagia practice, FEES, FEES, FEES: Our brand new starter kit, A step-by-step guide to start your own program, tips to reduce discomfort when completing FEES is a literal pain in our necks. And for all SLPs working with adults: Understanding gender incongruence, voice, identity and our role in supporting TGD clients, naming assessment and intervention for people with TBIs, Involving autistic adults and teens in designing their own assistive tools (and why the benefits exceed the tools themselves). We’ve got so much science to share this month. And up to 166 minutes for your CE Challenge! Catch us at our link in bio."]

Which cognitive training would YOU have bet on to reduce dementia risk? Memory? Reasoning? The ACTIVE study (one of the ...
05/29/2026

Which cognitive training would YOU have bet on to reduce dementia risk? Memory? Reasoning? The ACTIVE study (one of the largest longitudinal RCTs examining a behavioral approach to dementia prevention (!) with over 2,000+ participants) had a surprise winner: Speed!

Get the full breakdown in our research review, "The power of speed: The unexpected winner of brain training games." at https://www.theinformedslp.com/review/The-power-of-speed-The-unexpected-winner-of-brain-training-games

[Visual description: Image text reads, "In the race against dementia risk, Processing Speed takes the lead!" Cartoon image of 3 race cars on a race track titled, "Dementia Brain Game Race". The 3 cars are labeled, "Processing Speed", "Reasoning", and "Memory" with the "Processing Speed" car crossing the finish line first.]

Whether it's workplace resistance or simply a lack of time, implementing research takes more than just good intentions—i...
05/28/2026

Whether it's workplace resistance or simply a lack of time, implementing research takes more than just good intentions—it takes a solid strategy.

We keep our cohorts small to ensure every clinician gets the strategic support they need. There are still a few open spots for our three summer cohorts:

▪️Mondays at 12–1:30 PM CST, starting June 8th.

▪️Mondays at 12–1:30 PM CST, starting June 15th.

▪️Tuesdays at 7–8:30 PM CST, starting June 9th.

Choose a cohort that fits your schedule and secure your place here: https://theinformedslp.ac-page.com/ebp-irl. Enrollment closes on June 3rd.

[Visual description: Image text reads, "Implementing research takes more than good intentions—it takes strategy. We're here to walk you through it. Every SLP faces systemic hurdles. Some are easy to overcome. Others feel impossible. Real change happens when you find the strategy to move through the space in between. EBPirl helps you navigate that space. This 5-session live CE course is designed to help you: • Transform your approach to research implementation. • Overcome the friction of workplace resistance. • Build systems that keep your clinical momentum going. With active problem-solving. (Not passive learning!) • Implementation science tailored to your unique workplace. • Targeted assignments that address your specific barriers. • Practical tools you can use with your team right away. Connect with a community of like-minded SLPs. We keep the cohorts small so everyone gets the strategic support they need. It's a great opportunity to network, share ideas, and troubleshoot with other forward-thinking SLPs. And work alongside the expert. Natalie Douglas, PhD, CCC-SLP, who specializes in implementation science, will be leading the cohorts and providing the coursework. Plus, you'll earn credits! You'll receive 11.5 CE hours (1.15 ASHA CEUs) for completing the sessions and assignments. Ready to lead change? Join a cohort at the link in our bio. Enrollment closes June 3rd. "]

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